In a tragic turn of events, a temple wall collapsed in Shahpur village, Sagar district of Madhya Pradesh, claiming the lives of nine children. The incident occurred early Sunday morning, around 8:30 am, amidst heavy rainfall that had weakened the temple’s foundation. The children, aged between 10 to 15 years, were buried under the debris, and efforts are ongoing to rescue any who might still be trapped.
Devastating Impact on Local Community
The temple, known as Hardayal Temple, is over 50 years old. During the Sawan festival, the temple was bustling with activity as earthen shivlings were being made. Unfortunately, the wall collapse happened right in the middle of the religious programme, leading to immense grief and chaos. The district collector, Deepak Arya, confirmed that nine children died, while two others are receiving treatment at a local hospital.
Rescue Operations and Recovery Efforts
Visuals from the site revealed the extensive damage, with police officers and bulldozers working tirelessly to clear the debris and rescue trapped individuals. The local administration has assured that all necessary measures are being taken to manage the situation and support the affected families. The debris has been removed, but the community is still grappling with the aftermath of this disaster.
Recent Similar Tragedy in Rewa
This incident comes on the heels of a similar tragedy in Rewa district, where a wall of an abandoned building collapsed, killing four children. The similarity in both incidents highlights the urgent need for structural safety and better maintenance of old buildings in the region. Authorities have arrested two individuals in connection with the Rewa collapse, with legal action underway.
State Government’s Response and Compensation
Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav expressed his deep sorrow over the tragic loss of young lives. In a gesture of support, he announced an ex gratia amount of ₹2 lakh for each family affected by this devastating event. The government is actively involved in providing assistance and ensuring that such incidents are prevented in the future.
A Call for Safety and Vigilance
This heartbreaking event highlights the need for enhanced safety measures, especially in older structures and during significant public gatherings. As the community mourns the loss of these young lives, there is a pressing call for vigilance and preventive action to avoid such tragedies in the future.